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Weekend Recommender: Unwind at These Can't-Miss Milwaukee Spots

It’s cosmopolitan profile on the rise, Milwaukee is a perfect weekend escape from the Windy City.

Riverwalk photo by F11Photo/Shutterstock.com

Make no mistake: Milwaukee’s Brew City moniker only tells half the story. Just two hours north of Chicago, the city’s world-class architecture, ascendant culinary circuit and radiant lakefront and river walk set a sophisticated scene, making it ideal for your next summer weekend getaway.

Wake up with brunch at farm-to-table fave Engine Company No. 3 (217 W. National Ave., 414.226.5695), which serves hearty bites like salmon madame and smoked pork eggs Benedict in a renovated firehouse in the Walker’s Point neighborhood. Enjoy sophisticated seafood and dazzling lakeside vistas at Harbor House (550 N. Harbor Drive, 414.395.4900). For a cozier experience, book one of 20 seats at EsterEv, the tasting menu-only concept within mod Chinese-American gemDanDan (360 E. Erie St., 414.488.8036), which excites with 10-course dinners on Fridays and Saturdays ($120 per person with beverage pairings).

SEE & DO

The Milwaukee Art Museum's current showcase celebrates the wonders of nature. (Carleton E. Watkins, View on the Merced, Yosemite, 1865–66. Courtesy of the American Geographical Society Library, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Libraries)

Refuel with local roasts by Anodyne Coffee while browsing the many merchants at Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water St., 414.336.1111) in the city’s Historic Third Ward, then check out the chic menswear at Milworks (143 N. Broadway, 414.585.9496). And it’s wheels up to the Harley-Davidson Museum (400 W. Canal St., 877.436.8738) to experience the motorcycle icon’s 115-year-old history with an over-the-top behind-the-scenes tour led by museum staff and granting access to normally restricted areas, vehicles and artifacts (from $568 for two to 12 people).

STAY

The discerningly designed lobby at The Iron Horse Hotel (Photo: The Iron Horse Hotel)

A restored century-old warehouse channels Midwestern chic at the Aparium Hotel Group’s Iron Horse Hotel(500 W. Florida St., 414.374.4766). Settle into a handsome, expansive suite outfitted with exposed Cream City brick, rugged timber beams and a full-tile walk-in shower, then treat yourself and your SO to a 90-minute couple’s massage before unwinding at The Yard, the hotel’s sprawling patio.